Beyond Human Nature

Raising Awareness About Human Trafficking

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:36:00 +0000

The Body Shop and Amnesty International have teamed up to raise awareness about human trafficking. You might have seen their hand cream and bags being sold in Body Shops around the UK at the moment.

Some of the facts presented in their handy flash leaflet include:

Human trafficking is the third largest industry in the world
It is also the fastest-growing industry
1.8 million children are exploited through the sex trade - and that's just the ones we know about
Trafficking is a worldwide problem. Unlike many people believe, it's not just restricted to the poorest countries.

The booklet is well worth a read; it contains some heartbreaking stories and the kind of information we should all keep in mind. Read it here.

Haiti: Sexual Violence Against Women Increasing

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:54:00 +0000

Women and girls living in Haiti's makeshift camps face an increasing risk of rape and sexual violence, Amnesty International said in a new report released today.

One year after the earthquake which killed 230,000 people and injured 300,000, more than one million people still live in appalling conditions in tent cities in the capital Port-au-Prince and in the south of Haiti, where women are at serious risk of sexual attacks. Those responsible are predominately armed men who roam the camps after dark.

Profiling Adult Survivors of Severe Child Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:16:00 +0000

In a recent study in Ireland, adult survivors of abuse were divided into three groups: those who reported their worst form of abuse to be sexual, physical or emotional. The participants were then given questionnaires in order to identify profiles.

Survivors of severe sexual abuse had the most abnormal profiles, with higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, antisocial personality disorder, trauma symptoms and life problems. Survivors of severe emotional abuse were the best-adjusted of all three groups.

Find the full article here

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If Children Are The Future...

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:40:00 +0000

...then what are you leaving for your future? I don't mean your children specifically, but kids in general, especially the ones who need it the most.

Children learn from us, share our interests and inherit our strange habits and foibles. Take a look at the latest ad from the NSPCC, then tell them your thoughts about it and head over to their website to find out how you can help protect children with your will.

Monster Price for Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:07:00 +0000

It's not always easy to find a good cash for gold site, but Monster Price for Gold seems interesting. It's a simple three-step process: fill out the form and receive your pack, pop your gold into the envelope and take it to the Post Office, and then they'll call you with an offer.

Of course many people might not like the idea of putting gold in an envelope and handing it over to someone, but the Post Office will only work with genuine, registered brands that won't run off with your stash, so it sounds like a pretty good deal.

They offer the best prices around because they don't advertise on TV, and you can go to their website and read the testimonials to find out what their previous customers have said.

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The Snow Centre

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:04:00 +0000

In aid of the Hospice of St. Francis in Berkhamstead, which supports families and patients living with life-limiting illnesses, The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is offering kids the opportunity to meet Santa Claus on real snow slopes.

If you have children aged between 4 and 11, you can take them along for a ride on a Rubber Ringo down the snow slopes; kids under 4 can still meet Santa even though they’re a bit small for the Ringos.

However, The Snow Centre has a problem: it needs a Santa. There’s a list of prospective jolly men in red suits currently being put together; the finalists will take part in a recruitment day that will test their Santa skills. If you’d like to put yourself (or your husband!) forward for the role, you can email santasearch – at – finncomms – dot – com before Thursday and you could be in with a chance. Who knows, you might even get a free go on the Rubber Ringo when the grotto has closed for the night!

And, if you’re planning on going along, the opening times are:

Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th Dec 11.30 – 19:00

Monday - Wednesday 13th - 15th Dec 16:00 – 18:15

Thursday and Friday 16th to 17th Dec 13:00 – 17:00

Saturday and Sunday 18th and 19th Dec 11.30 – 19.00

Tuesday to Thursday 21st to 23rd Dec 10:00 – 19:00

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It Happens When Nobody Is Watching

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:14:00 +0000

Fantastic ad campaign from Amnesty International, about domestic violence. The interactive ad incorporates a camera which detects when people look at the poster. The figures on the ad move when nobody is watching, with the man beating the woman viciously. As soon as the viewer turns to look at the ad, the movement stops. A great idea which really highlights the issue of domestic violence.

Domino's Pizza Sponsors Girls' Football Team

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:21:00 +0000

There's a group of very lucky girls in Worcestershire. They're playing for Worcestershire School's under-16s girls' football team, and the guys from Domino's pizza delivery will be sponsoring them throughout the county season that leads into 2011.

I think it's fantastic that Domino's are doing this - ever since I read Bend It Like Beckham, I've been noticing the lack of support female footballers receive. Sure, you're allowed to play netball if you're a woman, or tennis, or badminton, but on a pitch with a football? Nahhh, that's the boys' domain...

So, if the under-16s team can be encouraged on, perhaps they can help to change things for the better. Anil Patil from Domino's in Worcestershire says that Domino's is very keen to deliver more to the local community, and even mentioned a pepperoni pizza or two when the girls have reason to celebrate. Surely that's enough to make anyone work hard on the football field!

What's the back story? Domino's head office, in line with their reputation as experts in delivery of yummy hot foodstuffs, has decided that every branch of Domino's should be doing more to deliver great things to their local communities in general. So keep an eye on your local pizza place, and if you have an idea of a local initiative they could be supporting, head over to their website and drop them a line.

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Make It Stop

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:57:00 +0000

Excellent anti-domestic violence video from the Met Police. They've also included Spotify ads, which work really well alongside your playlist. I think it's a great way of raising awareness, and will hopefully make people think about how they react to domestic crimes. There's also a click-through option, to make it more interactive, which gives you more information. Great idea.

One thing I'd like to see, however, is a version in which the woman is the abuser: domestic abuse against men is less well-known than the other way round, but is certainly no less important. I'd also be interested to see how many people would react by calling the police if the abuser were a man, versus how many would call them if it were a woman. Excellent campaign for a very important cause.

President Obama Talks About Bullying

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 16:04:00 +0000

Beautiful video currently topping the ViralVideoChart:

What Will You Leave?

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 17:09:00 +0000

The NSPCC is the only charity that gets a regular chunk of my income. Sure, I'll throw coins into a box if I pass one for pretty much anything, but the NSPCC is the one I've always felt the most strongly about. They do such a fantastic job, making it possible for kids to call Childline if they need someone to talk to, helping children and young people who have been abused, and going to schools, colleges and events to speak about the kinds of things that can happen and what we can do about it. They're a fantastic charity and a very worthy cause.

So. Enough of me and my soapbox preaching. The NSPCC has just released a lovely little video asking what you will leave to children when you die. Your own family, sure - but also those who don't have anyone of their own. I think it's a lovely idea, and it's certainly something I'd consider doing, if I had anything of worth to leave (old books? a dilapidated chair? whatever it is that's growing at the back of my fridge?). As it is, there will be a 'and anything left that has any value...' note on mine, because I can't think of a more worthwhile place to allocate any extra funds.

Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:57:00 +0000

I found out about this via Veshengro, whose blog is always worth checking out.

From September 19th-25th, Petfinder.com are running an Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week. Whilst puppies, kittens and other cute, healthy animals tend to get snapped up within hours of arriving in a shelter, there are some well-deserving animals who live in shelters for months - even years - because people just don't want to adopt them.

Petfinder conducted a survey of their adoption groups to discover which pets were the hardest to rehome. Here are the results:

There's a heartrending gallery of less adoptable pets who are currently looking for a home, here. Do you have room for a pit bull, or an old cat, or an animal with a medical condition who needs extra TLC? Think about it, spread the word, and perhaps head over there and see what kind of friend you could take home.

Childline: Contacting Childline

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:22:00 +0000

Off The Streets

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:29:00 +0000

Off the Streets: Arbitrary Detention and Other Abuses against Sex Workers in Cambodia is a report put together by the Human Rights Watch. The team conducted more than 90 interviews with sex workers in Cambodia, and describe how sex workers face a wide range of abuses, including beatings, extortion, and rape at the hands of authorities, particularly in Phnom Penh.

Some quotes:

'the law seems to be used mainly as a convenient excuse by police to rationalize further illegal actions against sex workers.' - 15

'To date, not a single police officer, security guard, government official or employee at MOSAVY shelters has been held accountable for crimes committed against sex workers.' - 15

One interviewee described her experience: 'Five plain-clothed police took me from the Independence Monument Park with my two friends to the police station near Doeum Kor Market (Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissariat’s Central Office Against Crime). At the police station, four police officers questioned us. Then they pushed me into a room where there was a folding bed—it is for detaining criminal suspects. I was raped by five police officers on the first night and by six other police officers on the second night. They beat me while raping me because I protested.' - 95

'Police sometimes rape sex workers in exchange for their release, particularly if they do not have any money and are considered attractive. Chantha, who was arrested in July 2009 from the park near Independence Monument, said that the police demanded sex with her in exchange for her release or she would be sent to a NGO shelter. She refused the demand and when the police officer went to ask other officers to buy condoms, she managed to escape.' - 43

'At Prey Speu center, detainees were routinely subjected to sadistic violence. Guards raped female prisoners and severely beat detainees who tried to escape or complained about conditions, according to former detainees interviewed by LICADHO. At least three detainees, possibly more, were beaten to death by guards at Prey Speu during 2006-2008, and five others reportedly committed suicide, according to LICADHO investigations.' - 52

So, what can be done? Human Rights Watch recommends that the Cambodian government:

• 'Stop the arbitrary arrest and detention of sex workers—including women, men, children, and transgender victims of trafficking, and others including people who use drugs, homeless people, beggars, street children and mentally ill people.

• Establish a special commission to conduct independent, thorough investigations into all acts of violence and extortion by law enforcement officials, park officials, and staff or volunteers in Social Affairs centers. The commission should be established promptly, have the power to subpoena witnesses and produce a public report. It should be empowered to make recommendations for criminal investigations to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice for their crimes.

• Permanently close Prey Speu and Koh Kor and other Social Affairs centers where people are detained in violation of international and national law.

• Until the pervasive problem of police abuse of sex workers is tackled, suspend the provision on “soliciting” in the Law on Suppression of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation. The provision gives police more leverage to extort money and commit violent acts against sex workers and has facilitated abuses.

• Consult with sex worker groups in order to jointly develop programs and services that can empower sex workers and accurately reflect their needs. Areas include legal assistance, health care, child care, and vocational training if identified by sex workers as relevant.' - 16

Read the full report here

Chris Wood steps down after 20 years at the NSPCC

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:25:00 +0000

She's done a lot in her time, and now she's taking a well-earned retirement. Here's the transcript from the interview in which she thanks those who help the NSPCC and talks about the future:

Hi, I’m Chris Wood and I’m the fundraising manager for the NSPCC.

What do you hope is the future for children?

I think, like everybody, we would all love a future where every child is happy and cared for, and in an ideal world the NSPCC would not be needed at all. It would be great to see all children grow into full adulthood and be able to have the ability to fulfil their potential. Perhaps one day we’ll be able to see this happen.

What has been the hardest part of your job?

I think one of the most difficult things is we’ve had a statistic that has been there for the 20 years that I’ve worked at the NSPCC and it’s one to two children die every week at the hands of parents and carers. And I would really, really love to see within the next twenty years that that stat is reduced. If we can achieve that then we are really helping children.

What is your one key memory?

The key thing that stands out for me is the supporters like you, the people that have given regularly every month, every year, for years and years. It’s people like you that make the NSPCC possible; if people stopped giving there is no NSPCC.

Is there anything you like to say to your supporters?

I’d really just like to say that I’ve been exceptionally lucky; I’ve had the best twenty years possible working for the NSPCC. I’ve spoken to quite a lot of supporters over those years as well and I know they are as dedicated as I am to helping as many children as possible. And I’d just really like to say thanks to everybody for all that support and donations that they’ve made over those years. And here’s hoping that the next twenty years are even better for children.

Cross-posted on Those Little Accidents
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Stop Child Trafficking Petition

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 06:51:00 +0000

ECPAT UK has released a petition to help the roughly 1.2 million children who are trafficked every year. They are working alongside the Body Shop to ask the government to provide the following to child survivors of trafficking:

1. A guardian who would provide support and care for the child.
2. An assurance that every child would receive the educational, medical, practical and legal support they need.
3. Protection and prevention from further exploitation and harm from their traffickers.

There are petitions in Body Shops around the country, or you can sign online here.

Other things you can do:

- Design a handprint to show your support; you can find out more about this here. Celebrities such as Yoko Ono, Matt LeBlanc, Joanna Lumley and Sienna Miller have already added their own.

- The Body Shop is selling 'soft hands, kind heart' hand cream for £3.50; £2.06 from each sale goes to ECPAT. You can buy it from Body Shops or from their website.

Refugee Week 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:22:00 +0000

Last year, I blogged about Refugee Week and all the things I did for it. What were they?

1. Watched a movie about refugees.
2. Told a story from another country.
3. Cooked a dish from another country.

This year, I'll be focusing on a different blog each day, talking about Refugee Week. The theme for this year is Simple Acts, examples of which can be found here. Once you've done yours, let the people organising Refugee Week know about it; they're aiming for 20,000.

Death to the Death Penalty

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 09:24:00 +0000

Beautiful ad from Amnesty International:

NSPCC Walk: Can You Hack It?

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 08:05:00 +0000

The NSPCC's Hike Against Cruelty to Kids is happening across the country between June and September. Wherever you're based, there will be one not too far away from you: there's a London HACK for the city-dwellers, a Cotswolds Challenge HACK for the country bumpkins, and a Hampshire HACK across the South Downs, as well as many more, details of which can be found here. It's £15 to register, and you can get people to sponsor you and help beat last year's total of £236,000 raised for the NSPCC.

Go on, sign up. It'll be fun!

Sarah Payne's murderer has ten years knocked from his sentence

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:14:00 +0000

Roy Whiting, the truly disgusting individual who murdered Sarah Payne in 2001 when she was only eight, has had 10 years knocked off of his sentence by Mr. Justice Simon, sitting in London.

Sarah would have been 18 if she had not been killed; Roy Whiting would have been 90 before his prison sentence expired as it was before; now, he could be out at age 80.

Sarah's mother Sara, who is currently recovering from a stroke, said that the family is "a little bit reeling... The family obviously doesn't get a parole date." Good point.

I'd be interested to know the justification behind this totally sick individual being allowed out ten years early; in the meantime, I hope Sara Payne and her family are holding up as well as possible, and that her excellent ongoing work in child protection, alongside courageous people such as Shy Keenan, continues to thrive.

Via NOTW

Volunteering and Fundraising

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:21:00 +0000

Edging into the world of volunteering and fundraising can be difficult. There's so much to do that it's hard to know where to start, and once you've begun, you often end up on a slippery slope, trying desperately to hold on to a little bit of free time here and there without feeling guilty that you're not doing more. The more you realise there is to do, the more you do, and suddenly you have no time. Or that tends to have been my experience, anyway.

When I was a student, I was excellent at volunteering and fundraising. I ran all the volunteer groups, set up events, taught other students and generally made myself useful in every possible way. Now that I'm no longer studying, I find myself without much knowledge of the kind of volunteering I could be doing - ideally things that don't involve running or cycling, which seem to be two popular methods of fundraising.

In view of this, last night I took myself along to my local Amnesty International group, and in the course of the meeting ended up volunteering to be their secretary. This basically just means that I have to keep an eye on the email account and answer queries - something I love doing, and something I have time for; I spend the vast majority of every day in front of my computer anyway.

Derry is an example of a guy who has found his way of fundraising - taking two things he does and conglomerating them, so that he can fundraise alongside his teaching experience. Derry is the headteacher of a school in Sevenoaks, and every year he organises a swimathon for pupils at his school. The kids have fun, money is raised, and Derry does two things he loves while raising money for a good cause. What an excellent idea. Take a look at his video, then head over to the BHF website to see how you can get involved.

Slideshow of Roma pictures by Amnesty International

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:27:00 +0000

Amnesty International have released a slideshow of pictures featuring Romani people, to support the campaign for adequate housing for the Roma in Romania. About 75 people have been living in metal shacks next to a sewage treatment plant since 2004. All they ask is housing that doesn't actively kill them. Is that really such a big demand?

Cadbury's achieves Fairtrade certification

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:34:00 +0000

... which (rightly) makes them happy enough to sing and dance:

Play the OXFAM game and see how your gifts could help

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:33:00 +0000

Samaritans: Lisa's Story

noreply@blogger.com (Scar) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Following on from their previous video campaign, the Samaritans have launched another appeal, this time focusing on Lisa, a young lady who turned to the Samaritans for help following a lifetime of abuse, guilt and pain.